This past summer I spent some 4 amazing weeks in my absolute favourite place in the world, my hometown Israel. We had lived in the best possible geographical marking, which included being right across from the beach. But unfortunately it was an old folks home, with some depressing people, and lots of drama referring to the worst possible soap operas.
Anyways, living so close to the beach, we went there everyday, up to thrice. However we were unfortunately traveling during Israel’s jellyfish season (6 weeks; start of June – middle of July), and this year there were 7 times as many jellyfish, thanks to Japanese fisherman not knowing how to handle them.
So of course I got stung several times. Very unpleasant, however fortunately they don’t last too long. So here are some facts and tips about jellyfish stings, how to get rid of them, and avoid them:
Jellyfish belong to several classes of invertebrates:
– Anthrozoans; eg: sea anemones and corals, related to jellyfish but are barely poisonous to humans
– Cubozoans; including the most toxic, box jellyfish
– Hydrozoans; eg: the Portuguese man-of-war (not a true jellyfish, but still poisonous and dangerous) and fire corals
– Scyphozoans; ‘real’ jellyfish and the most common class
What stings feel like:
Scyphozoans stings are usually less toxic than hydrozoans and cubozoans stings. The skin can be irritated, slightly painful, unpleasant, and itchy. It’s possible for an allergic reaction to occur, which increases the severity of the rash, and should be shown to a doctor.
Portuguese man-of-war stings are more painful than common jellyfish’s. Some describe it as feeling like being struck by lightning. These creature’s stings have been responsible for two deaths. Detached tentacles floating around can also cause stings for up to two weeks. So if stung, seek medical attention.
Stings from box jellyfish (cubozoans) are the most dangerous type of jellyfish sting. Along with pain (obviously), the box jellyfish has venom so deadly it can kill one within minutes. It can cause:
– cardiovascular collapse
– respiratory and neuromuscular paralysis
– irukandji syndrome.
Recently, one woman died within 5 seconds of a sting. So if swimming in Australian and Indo-Pacific waters, watch out.
Treatments to Jellyfish stings:
– Remove any tentacles that are joined to the skin using tweezers, not your hands!
– Applying vinegar always helps lessen the severity of the sting. And even if it does not hurt, and it is 2 days later, I still would apply.
– Peeing on the sting is a little unorthodox but in my experience it has helped. Just make sure it’s not an open wound. And instead of aiming (I can’t believe I’m saying this), just pee into a cup and pour it onto the sting.
– If the wound turns 3-D and blister-like, and looks like it’s about to burst, it’s normal. Or at least I think it is, if it’s happened to me. It actually will burst (mine did during my sleep), and it will be disgustingly pussy, but not too painful. So apply some disinfectants, such as Hydrogen Peroxide.
How to avoid being stung:
– Don’t swim during Jellyfish season! You can always Google when it is in the place you are going, it’s not all the same. And always lookout for the leftover guys and early comers. And places like Australia, and Antilles Islands, don’t have jellyfish seasons, they are usually there. And if swimming, be careful.
– There is Jellyfish/Sea lice repellent lotion/sunscreen. I’m not sure how well it works, but it exists
If you’re stung by a jellyfish on the face (mouth, eyes,), or genital area, become severely ill, have difficulty swallowing or breathing, have any loss in senses, or develop severe pain after the sting, seek medical attention. And those swimming in Australia and the Indo-Pacific should also seek medical attention following any stings, for it could be one of a box jellyfish.
jellyfishonthemoon 